CN101160542B

CN101160542B - Loop back plug and method

Info

Publication number: CN101160542B
Application number: CN200680012929XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: Y·卢; R·里根; M·努南; J·格尼亚德克
Original assignee: ADC Telecommunications Inc
Current assignee: Commscope Connectivity LLC
Priority date: 2005-04-19
Filing date: 2006-04-19
Publication date: 2010-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-19
Also published as: US20060233506A1; JP2008537184A; AU2010201115A1; US11347008B2; US20100014824A1; MX2007012996A; CN101160542A; WO2006113810A3; WO2006113810A2; US8041178B2; US7349605B2; CN101833151A; EP1875287A1; US20140056561A1; US20160085032A1; AU2006236409B2; CA2604948A1; US20060257092A1; US20200257057A1; KR20080003433A

Abstract

A loop back connector and methods for testing lines in a fiber optic network are disclosed. The loop back connector includes a ferrule having an interface side constructed for optical connection to a multifiber optical cable. The loop back connector also includes first and second optical loop back paths, each having first and second terminal ends positioned at the interface side. The terminal ends of each loop back path are adapted to be aligned to fibers in the multifiber optical cable. The method includes injecting a signal on a first optical path at a first location, looping back the signal at a second location onto a second optical path, and receiving the signal on the second optical path at the first location.

Description

Loop back plug and method thereof

Technical field

The present invention relates to fiber optic cable networks.More specifically, the present invention relates to the terminal of optical fiber cable.

Background technology

The partly cause that EPON is widely using gradually is that the service provider wishes to provide to the consumer message capacity of high bandwidth.Because EPON does not use for example active electronic device of amplifier and repeater between central office and user terminal, they are that the ideal that is used to transmit the high-speed communication data is selected.Do not have the active electronic device can reduce the complexity and the cost of network, and can increase network reliability.

EPON can use optical splitter to extract signal from single input optical fibre, and makes a plurality of output optical fibres can obtain this signal.For example, optical distribution cable can comprise 24 optical fiber and can be routed to distribution locations from the central office, for example device housings.At the device housings place, every optical fiber in the optical distribution cable can be by beam splitting in a plurality of output optical fibres, and these output optical fibres can use for a plurality of users.For example, EPON uses the beam splitting of 1: 2,1: 4,1: 8,1: 16 and 1: 32 to make that recently optical data can be all available by a plurality of customer locations.The appliance-originated shell, promptly many output optical fibres in output place of optical splitter need be connected to customer location.Because output optical fibre can be placed in the optical cable so that protect, a subset of fibers need be inserted and can use by the user of similar number.

Prior art is used to continue subset of fibers is told from optical distribution cable.These continue and install the back by the on-the-spot execution of well-trained personnel at this optical distribution cable usually.This form that continues is called as manual closing operation, perhaps field splicing.Since personnel must be through specialized training and also to carry out the operation that continues may be that the time is at full stretch, so manual closing operation is consuming time and is very expensive aspect the labour.In addition, need guarantee the Environmental security of joint shell in wide variable range, relevant with the optical cable that continues thus material cost is relatively more expensive.Manual closing operation also needs specialist tools.

EPON can be via along the connector of optical distribution cable setting and expand, thereby creates the optical path of each branch.For example, owing to there is not the user to be positioned near the optical distribution cable when optical distribution cable installs for the first time, after optical distribution cable installed, branched cable can be connected to these connectors.Branched cable is installed to the technician of customer location or the other staff link of test between central office and connector usually from connector position, only continuous to guarantee when branched cable is installed.Test being usually directed between central office location and connector position to move, to inject signal a position at second this signal of position probing.Distance between central office and the connector position is quite long, and needs consuming time the moving of technician.

Summary of the invention

According to the disclosure, loop back connector and the method that is used for measuring fiber optical-fiber network circuit are disclosed.This loop back connector has cranse (ferrule), and can comprise the loop-back path of the optical fiber that is used for connecting many optical fiber light optical cable.This cranse has and is suitable for the interface side aimed at many fiber optics connector.Loop-back path in the cranse is connected to two optical fiber in many fiber optics connector optically.In certain embodiments, loop back plug can comprise planar lightwave circuit.

The method of measurement circuit in the optical fiber optical-fiber network is also disclosed.This method is included in the primary importance place signal is input to the first optics road through last, this hoop is got back on the warp of the second optics road at second place place, and is received the signal from the second optics road warp at the primary importance place.Loop back connector can be used in the second place, so that this hoop is got back to primary importance.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A-C shows exemplary network, and this network can use the factory's integrated terminal that meets the principle of the invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates exemplary optical distribution cable, wherein can use the factory's integrated terminal that meets the principle of the invention to come this optical distribution cable is continued;

Fig. 3 illustrates the exemplary method of making optical distribution cable, and this optical distribution cable uses with the factory's integrated terminal that meets the principle of the invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates and is used to install the illustrative methods of factory's integrated terminal to the optical distribution cable that meets the principle of the invention;

Fig. 5 A-5D illustrates and factory's integrated terminal relevant illustrative aspects to the optical distribution cable that meets the principle of the invention is installed;

Fig. 5 E-5F illustrates the view of the exemplary factory integrated terminal that comprises the MT female connectors that meets the principle of the invention;

Fig. 6 illustrates exemplary factory integrated terminal among Fig. 5 E, and it is configured to comprise radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) label that meets the principle of the invention;

Fig. 7 illustrates the illustrative computer structure that is used to implement meet the active RFID device of the principle of the invention;

Fig. 8 A and 8B illustrate the exemplary enforcement of the factory's integrated terminal that utilizes the durable MT connector that meets the principle of the invention;

Fig. 9 A and 9B illustrate the exemplary loopback connector that is used to test the factory's integrated terminal that meets the principle of the invention;

The schematically showing of four ribbon fibers that Fig. 9 C illustrates the explanatory view of loop back connector among Fig. 9 A and the 9B and meets the principle of the invention;

Fig. 9 D illustrates the plane light wave chip that is suitable for being used in the loop back connector;

Fig. 9 E illustrates the chip of Fig. 9 D in the ferrule structure of incorporating loop back connector into and the mating connector that is suitable for the loop back connector coupling is shown;

Fig. 9 F is the top view along the profile line 9F-9F acquisition of Fig. 9 E;

Fig. 9 G illustrates the connector of Fig. 9 E that is coupled;

Figure 10 A and 10B are illustrated in the exemplary enforcement of using factory's integrated terminal of durable connector on the tethers that meets the principle of the invention; And

Figure 11 A-11F illustrates the exemplary enforcement of using factory's integrated terminal of road terminal under the optical fiber that meets the principle of the invention.

Embodiment

Below about the specific descriptions of various enforcements in accordance with the principles of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.Identical Reference numeral is used for identifying same or analogous element in different accompanying drawings.And, the following specifically describes and do not limit the present invention.On the contrary, scope of the present invention is limited by claims and equivalency range thereof.

Figure 1A-C illustrates the exemplary network 100 that can use the factory's integrated terminal that meets the principle of the invention.Fiber distribution cable 102 can comprise near-end 104 and far-end 106.Near-end 104 can be associated with central office 108, and can be used as the beginning part of optical distribution cable 102.Far-end 106 can be positioned at apart from near-end 104 certain distance parts, and can be used as the end of optical distribution cable 102.One or more joints 110 can be between the near-end 104 and far-end 106 of optical distribution cable 102.For example, when fiber distribution cable 102 is continued into a plurality of less optical cables, the sum of the optical cable relevant with optical distribution cable 102 can increase when number of fibers remains unchanged.In some applications, the number of joint 110 can increase in the geometric series mode away from the near-end 104 of optical distribution cable 102 with splice locations.

The part of the EPON 100 of the beginning of the most close optical distribution cable 102 part (central office 108) is commonly called the F1 zone, and wherein F1 is 108 " feed fibers " of position before the optical splitter of for example joint 110 from the central office.The F1 of network 100 part can comprise the optical distribution cable of magnitude at 12 to 48 optical fiber, yet optional being implemented in can comprise still less under the situation that does not break away from spirit of the present invention or multifiber more.For example, can be from the central office 108 extend to fiber distribution hub (FDH) 112 as the optical cable of presenting of optical distribution cable 102, this fibre concentrator 112 comprises one or more spectral modules, shown in joint 110.FDH 112 is the device housings that can comprise a plurality of optical splitters, and wherein this optical splitter is used for the input optical fibre of optical distribution cable 102 is split into a plurality of output optical fibres.For example, can use the spectral module among the FDH 112 that an input optical fibre in the optical distribution cable 102 is split into 32 output optical fibres.On the distributing frame in FDH112, the output of each spectral module can be connected to user terminal.This user terminal can be coupled to and can extend near on the optical fiber in another optical distribution cable 102 of the position 114 in user house.

The optical splitter that is used for FDH 112 can receive the optical cable of presenting with multifiber, and those input optical fibres can be divided any optical fiber of from 216 to 432 independent distribution optical fiber, and these distribution optical fiber are associated with the customer location 114 of similar number.These 216 to 432 optical fiber can constitute the F2 optical distribution cable, or the F2 part of network.F2 is meant the optical fiber that extends to customer location 114 from FDH 112.

Factory's integrated terminal can be used for the F2 zone, so that environmental sound and the economical protection that continues are provided.Factory's integrated terminal can use the integrated access point (shunt) 116 of factory at the specified point place of optical distribution cable 102, rather than artificial erection joint 110.Can connectorization these access points 116 can provide the simple insertion and the method for operation in the distribution portion of network 100 when connecting the user to network with box lunch.For example, the enforcement that meets the principle of the invention can be used the shaggy OSP connector that holds single port or multiport connector.

Fig. 2 shows exemplary optical distribution cable 200, can utilize the plant terminal that meets the principle of the invention that it is continued.The optical distribution cable of Fig. 2 can comprise protectiveness outer jacket (sheath) 202, and this outer jacket provides intensity and abrasion resistant qualities for the optical fiber that extends in the optical distribution cable.Outer jacket 202 can be made also by anti-UV plastics can comprise reinforcing fibre.Optical distribution cable 200 also can comprise the strength members 204 at the center of passing optical cable 200.Strength members 204 can be used to do not destroy or the optical cable 200 that stretches in the drop-down close-fitting linear light of the situation cable 200 of the optical fiber that extends.

Optical distribution cable 200 also can comprise fibre ribbon (ribbon) 206.For example, optical distribution cable 200 can comprise one or more fibre ribbons 206.Fibre ribbon 206 comprises 4,6,8,12 or the more optical fiber that is enclosed in the protectiveness band sheath 208.The band sheath 208 can be through coloud coding and/or have color label so that discern required fibre ribbon.Band sheath 208 can be the structural plastic pipe, thereby can provide auxiliary protection to the optical fiber of forming fibre ribbon 206.Typical optical distribution cable 200 can comprise 48 to 432 independent optical fiber, and these optical fiber are comprised in any scope of from 8 to 108 fibre ribbons.

When optical distribution cable 200 comprises the fibre ribbon 206 of big figure, may be difficult to from optical cable, obtain required fibre ribbon to carry out manual closing operation and/or factory's integrated terminal.The enforcement amount usable level that meets the principle of the invention is that optical fiber and each fibre ribbon pipe of 12 fibre ribbon pipes comprises that magnitude is 4 a optical fiber.When execution continued, the distribution optical fiber with 12 fibre ribbon pipes made and is easy to discern required fibre ribbon.Therefore, can reduce the required time of carrying out manual closing operation and/or factory's integrated terminal.

Fig. 3 illustrates the exemplary method of the making of the optical distribution cable that together uses with the factory's integrated terminal that meets the principle of the invention.The one or more design parameters (action 302) of the method for Fig. 3 from receiving optical distribution cable.For example, design parameter can indicate optical distribution cable should comprise that 12 fibre ribbons and each fibre ribbon have four optical fiber.Requisite number purpose fibre ribbon can be assembled into optical distribution cable (action 304).That can identify factory's integrated terminal tells position (action 306).For example, telling the position can corresponding electric pole or the geographic position of the pedestal installed on the ground.Required fibre ribbon can be told (action 308) from the optical distribution cable that assembles in determined position.The fibre ribbon part (action 310) that can use factory's integrated terminal termination to tell from optical distribution cable.After installing factory's integrated terminal, can carry out signal integrity and environmental integrity test (action 312) to the fibre ribbon of termination.Optical distribution cable can be transported to the installation site and (action 314) is installed.

Fig. 4 illustrates factory's integrated terminal is installed to illustrative methods on the optical distribution cable that meets the principle of the invention.Can receive optical distribution cable (action 402) in assembling factory.Use the information that is associated with one or more installation sites can determine splice locations (action 404).Cut the sheath (action 406) of optical distribution cable at the primary importance place related with splice locations.For example, in one embodiment, can the sheath that length is about 0.25 foot continuing at the primary importance place removes so that access to the one or more fibre ribbons that wherein comprise is provided from optical distribution cable.

Fibre ribbon can be selected, and the sheath/sheath of band can be used for the primary importance place with the optical fiber that constitutes fibre ribbon, is cut off (action 408).Can carry out the second time at second place place in the oversheath of optical distribution cable and cut, this second place is apart from primary importance preset distance (action 410).The oversheath that can remove this optical distribution cable at second place place is to provide being included in the access of fibre ribbon wherein.Be identified in the fibre ribbon that cuts in the action 408, and fibre ribbon pulled out (action 412) from distribution optical fiber from the second place.For example, in one embodiment, cutting for the second time is to cut about 78 inches (2 meters magnitudes) for the first time in distance to locate to carry out.When pulling out fibre ribbon from optical distribution cable, about 78 inches long fibre ribbons are exposed to outside the optical distribution cable.

The external cable sheath can place on the fibre ribbon of extraction, so that auxiliary structural rigidity and environmental protection (action 414) to be provided.For example, the shrink sleeve of one section anti-UV structure can place on the fibre ribbon of extraction.Sheath/sleeve pipe external mold can be installed on (action 416) on the external cable sheath outside of installing in action 414.Can use cementing agent or other attach technology well known in the art sheath/sleeve pipe external mold can be coupled to external jacket.External mold can be installed on the second place, and this second place comprises fibre ribbon, external jacket and/or the sheath/sleeve pipe external mold (action 418) of this extraction.External mold is used in the oversheath of second place place seal lines optical cable, and the fibre ribbon of salable exposure, and keeps this fibre ribbon at the desired location place with respect to optical distribution cable.External mold also can provide to the second place and to the structural integrality of the fibre ribbon that exposes.

External mold can be included in the clad of the injected plastic of moulding on the expose portion of optical distribution cable.The untreated distribution cable jacket of each place, end overlapping that external mold can cut for the second time.The external mold that solidifies can produce very strong weather-proof sealing on every side at the fibre ribbon and/or the fibre ribbon sheath of optical distribution cable, exposure.

An optional enforcement of external mold can utilize the two sections preforms grab bucket that fastens on the junction surface of the fibre ribbon of optical distribution cable and exposure, form very strong Weather sealed around the optical cable of 48-optical fiber and 4 fibre ribbon sheaths.Another selectable process can be the thermal shrinkage/gasket material compound at junction surface that is used to cover the band of optical distribution cable and exposure.

Another optional design can comprise the MT female connectors in external mold.This design can not need sheath on the fibre ribbon that exposes.Fibre ribbon can end in the MT female connectors.The MT female connectors can be caught by external mold.When optical distribution cable launched at the scene, pressing mold can be configured to and be suitable for passing fiber cable laying pulley top.

Use shrink sleeve, outer contour forming and/or other technology well known in the art can seal primary importance (action 420).Can carry out signal integrity and/or environmental integrity test (action 422) to the fibre ribbon of this optical distribution cable and exposure.Optical distribution cable can be transported to the installation site and (action 424) is installed.For example, utilization can be suspended on optical distribution cable between the electric pole at the factory's integrated terminal corresponding to the electric pole position.Factory's integrated terminal can utilize connector, socket and/or be used to make light signal to terminate for the used miscellaneous equipment of user.

The enforcement of factory's integrated terminal can make optical distribution cable keep its own initial intensity and life characteristic.External mold can be designed to resist abominable OSP environment, only optical cable is increased minimum weight simultaneously.

Fig. 5 A-5D illustrates and factory's integrated terminal relevant illustrative aspects to the optical distribution cable that meets the principle of the invention is installed.Fig. 5 A illustrates the operation in conjunction with the action 406-412 description of Fig. 4.Fig. 5 B shows the operation of describing in conjunction with the action 414 of Fig. 4.Fig. 5 C illustrates the operation of describing in conjunction with the action 416 of Fig. 4.Fig. 5 D illustrates the operation of describing in conjunction with the action 418 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 5 E-5F illustrates the view of the exemplary factory integrated terminal 500 that comprises the MT female connectors 502 that meets the principle of the invention.The enforcement of factory's integrated terminal can be equipped with connector and/or socket, so that will link together as the distributing equipment of fiber distribution hub and the tethers of connectorization (tether) easily.This enforcement no longer need be at the sheath on the fibre ribbon that exposes, because fibre ribbon directly terminates at MT female connectors 502 places in external mold.

Fig. 6 illustrates exemplary factory integrated terminal 500 among Fig. 5 E, and it is configured to comprise radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) label 600 that meets the principle of the invention.The enforcement of factory's integrated terminal can be equipped with the RFID label, so that comprise machine sensible information in splice locations.The RFID label is can canned data and the equipment that uses rf wave transmission information.The RFID label can be the inactive component that does not comprise power supply, and perhaps they also can be active.Passive RFID tags need use from the radiofrequency signal of transceiver and inquire about.When passive RFID tags is shone by radio-frequency (RF) energy, can become low-energy transmitter.The inquiry transceiver can read out the transmission from the RFID label.

On the contrary, active RFID tag can comprise the power supply as battery.Active RFID tag can be carried out complicated operations more, and compares with passive RFID tags and can send to farther distance.Active RFID tag can be in park mode always, up to being inquired by transceiver.When being queried to, active RFID tag can be opened transmitter and launch information to transceiver.

The RFID label can receive via radio frequency and want canned data, and perhaps when utilizing technology well known in the art to make, they are programmable.When inquiry, the RFID label can send institute's canned data to query facility.For example, utilize about the information in the geographic position of continuing and utilize information, can encode RFID label 600 about the user who is connected with the optical fiber that is connected to branch outlet or interface.When inquiry, RFID label 600 can be so that query facility can obtain this coded message.

Fig. 7 illustrates the exemplary device architecture that can be used to implement meet the active RFID tag of the principle of the invention.Under the situation that does not break away from thought of the present invention, structure 700 also can be at computing machine, query facility, RFID programming device, and the equipment that is used for testing factory's integrated terminal assembly is implemented.In conjunction with enforcement shown in Figure 7 is exemplary, alternatively, can use other configuration.

Structure 700 can comprise processor 720, bus 722, storer 730, ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) 740, memory device 750, input equipment 760, output device 770, and communication interface 780.Bus 722 makes can communicate by letter between each element in the structure 700, and can comprise the light that can transmit data and instruction or the conductor of electricity.

Processor 720 can comprise any type in the processing logic of the conventional processors, microprocessor of any kind or soluble and execution command, and processor 720 can perhaps be implemented in the decentralized configuration mode of for example parallel processor configuration with independent configuration mode enforcement.What storer 730 can comprise random-access memory (RAM) or other type is used to store the information carried out by processor 720 and the dynamic memory of instruction.Storer 730 can also be used for storage temporary variable or other intermediate information during processor 720 execution commands.

ROM 740 can comprise that traditional ROM equipment and/or other are used for the static information of storage of processor 720 and the static storage device of instruction.Memory device 750 can comprise the recording medium magnetic that is used for canned data and instruction or optics and the corresponding driving thereof of disk or CD and corresponding driving and/or some other types.

Input equipment 760 can comprise one or more legacy interfaces, element and/or make the operator to the mechanism of structure 700 input informations, for example keyboard, mouse, pen, speech recognition and/or biometric mechanisms etc.Output device 770 can comprise one or more traditional mechanism that are used for to operator's output information, and can comprise display, printer, one or more loudspeakers etc.Communication interface 780 can comprise any mechanism that can make the similar transceiver that structure 700 and miscellaneous equipment and/or system communicate.For example, communication interface 780 can comprise wireless transceiver, but this wireless transceiver is used for RFID label and for example hand-held are coupled with communication mode.

Structure 700 can be included in the processor 720 execution processing of the instruction sequence in the storer 730 in response to execution.This instruction can be read in storer 730 from another computer-readable medium 750, perhaps read in from independent equipment via communication interface 780.It should be understood that computer-readable medium can comprise one or more memory devices, carrier wave or data structure.Execution is included in instruction sequence in the storer 730 can make processor 720 carry out some action that after this associated methods process flow diagram and signal flow graph are described.In optional embodiment, the hardware wired circuit is used to replace software instruction or comes together to implement the performed function of structure 700 with software instruction.Like this, enforcement according to the invention is not limited to any concrete combination of hardware circuit and software.

Fig. 8 A and 8B illustrate the exemplary enforcement of the factory's integrated terminal 800 that uses the durable MT connector that meets the principle of the invention.The enforcement of factory's integrated terminal 800 can comprise tethers (tether) 802, and these tethers 802 usefulness connectors terminate.For example, MT female connectors 804 can be installed on the far-end of the one or more optical fiber that are associated with the fibre ribbon of extracting out from optical distribution cable 102 or telling.The United States Patent (USP) that transfers Corning Cable Systems LLC has further described the connector that uses on the far-end of the fibre ribbon that is adapted at extracting out and/or the example of socket for No. 6648520 and No. 6579014.

For example the enforcement shown in Fig. 8 A can comprise the fibre ribbon tethers 804 with four optical fiber, and these optical fiber are with single SC/APC connector termination.Utilize the enforcement of connector termination can utilize the plug and/or the socket that match to clog, be connected to tethers (tether) 802 up to one or more users.Plug that matches and/or socket are avoided the influence of dirt and moisture with the stopper of playing tricks with the optical fiber in the protection connector.Using the tethers 802 of connectorization to make pays when the user really is connected to optical distribution cable 102 with being deferred to such as the relevant capital expenditure of the distributing equipment of road terminal under the optical fiber.

Fig. 9 A and 9B are illustrated in the exemplary loopback connector 900 that uses in factory's integrated terminal of test principle according to the invention.Utilize the enforcement of connector 902 terminations to clog with can be used in the loop back connector 900 that makes the tethers convenient test.Loop back plug or connector can be configured to first optical fiber in the tethers 904 is coupled to second optical fiber in the tethers 904.In the central office, test signal can injected on first optical fiber and detect on second optical fiber at place, central office.The use of loop back connector 900 can be eliminated when carrying out test and shuttle back and forth between tethers 904 and central office.When the optical distribution cable 102 that test is utilized, eliminating shuttles back and forth can produce the saving of remarkable time and cost.The U.S. Patent application that transfers Fiber Optic Network Solutions Corp shows the method for using loop back connector road terminal under the single position measurement optical fiber for No. 11/198848 and No. 11/198153, and being disclosed in here of these patents incorporated into herein with way of reference.

The schematically showing of four ribbon fibers that Fig. 9 C illustrates the explanatory view of loop back connector 900 among Fig. 9 A and the 9B and meets the principle of the invention.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the size that reduces loopback test equipment and makes makes the easy configuration of loopback test equipment.In one embodiment, planar lightwave circuit PLC is merged in the loopback equipment, so that loop fuction to be provided.For example, planar lightwave circuit can be incorporated in multiple fiber optical connector (MFC) assembly, so that will lead back to another optical fiber of same MFC from the light signal that the optical fiber of MFC is launched.In this mode, PLC is used for loopback signal between the optical fiber of MFC.By this loop fuction is provided, test signal can produce and test from same position (for example, central office).

Planar lightwave circuit is being known in the art.For example, disclose planar lightwave circuit in the United States Patent (USP) No. 6961503, No. 6937797, No. 6304706, No. 6787867 and No. 6507680 and made the method for planar lightwave circuit, the disclosed of these patented claims all incorporated into herein with way of reference.

The PLC technology has countless advantages.For example, because the production of PLC is similar to semiconductor transistor elements processing, manufacturing cost is relatively low.In addition, the PLC technology can have lower insertion loss and have consistent insertion loss value between each waveguide.In order to make the MFC of PLC loopback chip and standard to cooperatively interact, the size of PLC waveguide can design according to cooperatively interacting property of MFC standard (for example, the TIA/EIA-604 of MPO connector).In addition, can in the PLC chip, make alignment characteristics.In certain embodiments, Yu Ding insertion loss can be designed into the waveguide design with wavelength sensitevity that is used for measuring identifying purpose.

Fig. 9 D illustrates the schematic PLC chip 950 that comprises general rectangular substrate 952 and a plurality of waveguides/light guides 954.Shown in Fig. 9 D, show six waveguides 954.Each waveguide 954 has a loop configuration, and this loop configuration has termination end 956 at interface side 958 places of substrate 952.When PLC chip 950 was integrated in the cranse of loop back connector, end 956 was exposed and is suitable for and will be by the corresponding optical fiber align of optical coupled to multiple terminals (MT) connector of loop back connector.PLC chip 950 can comprise align structures (for example, v type groove, pin type socket, contact pin and other structures), so that guarantee the end 956 and the corresponding optical fiber align of optical coupled to the MT connector of PLC chip 950 of waveguide 954.

PLC chip 950 can be made by a large amount of different technologies.In one embodiment, at the bottom of initially being provided, the back lining that comprises the glass with first refractive index makes the PLC chip.On bottom, deposit the glass middle layer then.Preferably, the middle layer has second refractive index that is suitable for waveguide.First and second refractive indexes differ from one another.Then, etch away the middle layer so that limit waveguide 954.After this, on the middle layer, apply glass top layer with refractive index suitable with bottom.

The thickness of bottom and top layer can be different.For example, top layer can be thinner than bottom.

In order to improve performance, can the interface side 958 of PLC chip 950 be polished.In addition, interface side 958 can be angled, so that be complementary with the corresponding angle of MT connector, wherein PLC chip 950 needs optical coupled to arrive this MT connector.In one embodiment, interface side 958 can be polished into the angle of about 80 degree.

With reference to figure 9E and 9F, PLC chip 950 is shown as in the ferrule structure 960 that is integrated into multiple terminals loop back connector 962.For example, PLC chip 950 is shown as and is installed in the socket 964, and socket-type connector 964 is limited in the ferrule structure 960 of connector 962.Lid 966 or other keep structure to can be used for PLC chip 950 is remained in the socket 964.PLC chip 950 can be freely so that unsteady slightly in socket 964.In certain embodiments, can utilize the spring bias voltage PLC chip 950 that makes progress.

In the time of in being installed in ferrule structure 960, the interface side 958 of the PLC chip 950 of polishing is exposed.PLC chip 950 is shown as and comprises aligning opening 970, and this aligning opening 970 is used for the end 956 of waveguide 954 is aimed at the corresponding optical fiber 972 of MT connector 974, and wherein this MT connector 974 need be coupled with multiple terminals loop back connector 962.When multi-terminator 974 is connected to multiple terminals loop back connector 962 (shown in Fig. 9 G), the contact pin 976 of multi-terminator 974 slips in the opening 970 of PLC chip 950, aims between the end with the end 956 of guaranteeing waveguide 954 and optical fiber 972.In certain embodiments, ferrule structure 960 can be incorporated into and has in the loop back connector that is provided with as the lock of Fig. 9 A shown type.

In other embodiments, can use the align structures of other types.For example, can be equipped with public align structures (for example, binding post), so that loop back connector and corresponding female MT connector are linked together at PLC chip place.In another embodiment, the PLC chip can be equipped with the V-type groove at place, chip end, so that hold the contact pin that is arranged on the connector 524.

Figure 10 A and 10B show the exemplary enforcement of using factory's integrated terminal 1000 of durable connector on the tethers of principle according to the invention.Enforcement shown in Figure 10 A and the 10B can have MT connector 1002 on first end 1004, and has one or more single port connectors 1006 on the second end 1008.First end 1004 can insert a matching connector that is associated with the factory integrated terminal.The second end 1008 can comprise that the connector that is used for being connected to the optical fiber cable that is associated with one or more users matches.Enforcement among Figure 10 A and the 10B can comprise branch outlet 1010, and this branchs outlet 1010 is used as the conversion from the monochromatic light cable to the many optical cables that are associated with a plurality of connectors on the second end.

Figure 11 A-11F illustrates the exemplary enforcement of adopting factory's integrated terminal of road terminal 1100 under the optical fiber that meets the principle of the invention.Transfer in the U.S. Patent application No. 11/198848 and No. 11/198153 of Fiber Optic Network Solutions Corp. and further described time road terminal 1100, the disclosure of these patented claims is incorporated into herein with way of reference in front.Road terminal 1100 is used to the optical fiber cable that is associated with the user that tie point is provided under the optical fiber.Road terminal 1100 can be attached on the structure as electric pole, building, equipment cabinets etc. under the optical fiber.

System and method according to the invention makes it possible to make, the optical distribution cable of Installation And Test EPON.For example, use factory's integrated terminal assembly to continue, so that compact and environmentally friendly branch outlet to be provided, so that the user can be advantageously connected to communication network to optical distribution cable.

Provided explanation and described about the above description of exemplary embodiment of the present, but this is not exhaustive or the present invention is defined as disclosed exact form.Under above-mentioned enlightenment, various modifications or modification all are possible, and these are revised and modification can obtain in practice according to the present invention.For example, although described a series of action with reference to Fig. 3 and 4, the order of action can change in according to the invention other are implemented.In addition, also can walk abreast and implement incoherent action.

For example, under the situation that does not break away from thought of the present invention, connector, socket, external mold technology and the method can using except that instructions shown in the disclosed and accompanying drawing implemented the enforcement of principle according to the invention.In addition, a series of incidents that are associated with the methods of 3 and 4 descriptions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings can be carried out by being different from shown order.In addition, can add or the deletion additional events according to concrete deployment, application and user and/or service provider's needs.In addition, disclosed enforcement is not limited to the concrete arbitrarily combination of hardware circuit and/or software.

Unless offer some clarification on like this, otherwise should be not key or necessary with employed element, action or instruction interpretation in the present invention's explanation.And as used herein such, article " " is intended to comprise one or multinomial.When only wanting to represent one, use term " single " or similar language throughout.In addition, unless offer some clarification on, otherwise employed here phrase " based on " be intended to the expression " to small part based on ".

Above-mentioned explanation, example and data provide the complete description about the manufacturing of structure of the present invention and use.Because many embodiment of the present invention can make under the situation that does not break away from thought of the present invention and scope, so the present invention is with right under claims limit thereafter.

Claims

1. loop back connector comprises:

(a) ferrule structure has the interface side that is configured to be connected to optically many fiber optics connector;

(b) footpath, first ring of light loop, have first and second terminal end that are positioned at described interface side, described first terminal end is fit to first optical fiber align with described many fiber optics connector, and described second terminal end is fit to and second optical fiber align of described many fiber optics connector; And

(c) footpath, second ring of light loop, have first and second terminal end that are positioned at described interface side, described first terminal end be configured to described many fiber optics connector in the 3rd optical fiber coupling, and described second terminal end be configured to described many fiber optics connector in the coupling of the 4th optical fiber.

2. loop back connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second ring of light loops directly are formed in the planar lightwave circuit.

3. loop back connector as claimed in claim 2, wherein said planar lightwave circuit is incorporated in the described ferrule structure.

4. loop back connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein said planar lightwave circuit are floated in the socket of described ferrule structure.

5. loop back connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein said planar lightwave circuit comprises glass substrate, this glass substrate is etched to form and corresponding first and second waveguides in footpath of described first and second ring of light loops.

6. loop back connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein in footpath, described first and second ring of light loops one of at least in constitute the predetermined loss of inserting.

7. loop back connector as claimed in claim 6, wherein said predetermined insertion loss is to wavelength sensitive.

8. loop back connector as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first and second ring of light loops directly have consistent insertion loss.

9. loop back connector as claimed in claim 4 also comprises the maintenance structure, and this maintenance structure is configured to described planar lightwave circuit is remained in the described socket of described ferrule structure.

10. loop back connector as claimed in claim 1 also comprises the alignment characteristics that is configured to the alignment characteristics complementation of described many fiber optics connector.

11. loop back connector as claimed in claim 10, the alignment characteristics of wherein said loop back connector is an alignment pin.

12. the method for the circuit in the measuring fiber optical-fiber network, described method comprises:

Be on first optical path in primary importance and inject signal;

By loop back connector at the described signal of second place place loopback;

Described loop back connector comprises:

(a) cranse has and is configured to the interface side that optics is connected to the multifiber cable with a plurality of optical paths, and wherein said a plurality of optical paths comprise described first optical path and second optical path;

(b) footpath, first ring of light loop has first and second terminal end that are positioned at described interface side, and described first terminal end is fit to aim at described first optical path, and described second terminal end is fit to aim at described second optical path;

(c) footpath, second ring of light loop has first and second terminal end that are positioned at described interface side, and described first terminal end is configured to and the coupling of the 3rd optical path, and described second terminal end is configured to be coupled with the 4th optical path;

Be in the described signal of reception on described second optical path in described primary importance.

13. method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said loop back connector are connected to many fiber optics connector at the place, exit position that is positioned at optical distribution cable.

14. the method for the circuit in the measuring fiber optical-fiber network according to claim 12, wherein:

Planar lightwave circuit is attached in the described loop back connector so that loop fuction to be provided.

15. method as claimed in claim 14 also comprises the signal attenuation of the signal that test receives at described primary importance place.

16. method as claimed in claim 14 wherein when described first and second optical paths are installed, is connected to described optical fiber optical-fiber network with described planar lightwave circuit.

17. method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said primary importance are the central office.

18. a loop back connector assembly comprises:

Many fiber optics connector;

Loop back connector, with described many fiber optics connector coupling, wherein said loop back connector comprises:

Ferrule structure has the interface side with the engagement of the cranse of described many fiber optics connector;

Footpath, first ring of light loop, have first and second terminal end that are positioned at described interface side, first optical fiber align in the cranse of described first terminal end and described many fiber optics connector, and second optical fiber align in the cranse of described second terminal end and described many fiber optics connector; And

Footpath, second ring of light loop, have first and second terminal end that are positioned at described interface side, the 3rd optical fiber align in the cranse of described first terminal end and described many fiber optics connector, and the 4th optical fiber align in the cranse of described second terminal end and described many fiber optics connector.

19. loop back connector assembly as claimed in claim 18 also comprises:

Alignment characteristics is configured to the alignment characteristics complementation with described many fiber optics connector.

20. loop back connector assembly as claimed in claim 19, the alignment characteristics of wherein said loop back connector assembly comprises alignment pin.

21. an optical fiber cable assembly comprises:

Distributed optical cable;

Tethers is extracted out from the position of telling of described distributed optical cable, and wherein said tethers comprises the distal end that utilizes many fiber optics connector termination;

Loop back connector is inserted in described many fiber optics connector of distal end of described tethers, and wherein said loop back connector comprises:

Ferrule structure has the interface side that is meshed with the cranse of described many fiber optics connector of the distal end of described tethers;

22. optical fiber cable assembly as claimed in claim 21 comprises that also alignment characteristics is used to be provided at the aligning between the cranse of the described ferrule structure of described loop back connector and described many fiber optics connector.

23. optical fiber cable assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein said alignment characteristics comprises alignment pin.